Abstract: A differential assembly with at least a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio that can be integrated with an automatic transmission system thereby increasing the total number of available gear ratios is presented. A method of shifting to improve engine efficiency is also provided.

Abstract: A selectively lockable differential, comprising a plurality of torque sensitive pins, an outer housing, a first side gear comprising first gear teeth, a second side gear comprising second gear teeth, a pinion shaft, two pinion gears rotationally coupled to the pinion shaft, each pinion gear comprising pinion gear teeth coupled to the first gear teeth and the second gear teeth, and a collar comprising collar teeth for selectively engaging the gear lugs of the first side gear, the torque sensitive pins operatively coupling the collar to the outer housing.

Abstract: A differential comprises a first side gear and a second side gear facing the first side gear. A pinion gear set can be between the first side gear and the second side gear. A cam plate comprises a ramped side facing a ramped side of the first side gear. A first lock plate comprises a first side abutting a second side of the cam plate. The first lock plate further comprises a toothed side. A second lock plate comprises a toothed side facing the toothed side of the first lock plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a differential assembly with at least a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio. The differential assembly of the present disclosure can be integrated with an automatic transmission system thereby increasing the number of available gear ratios. A method of shifting to improve engine efficiency is also provided.

Abstract: A selectively lockable differential, comprising a plurality of torque sensitive pins, an outer housing, a first side gear comprising first gear teeth, a second side gear comprising second gear teeth, a pinion shaft, two pinion gears rotationally coupled to the pinion shaft, each pinion gear comprising pinion gear teeth coupled to the first gear teeth and the second gear teeth, and a collar comprising collar teeth for selectively engaging the gear lugs of the first side gear, the torque sensitive pins operatively coupling the collar to the outer housing.

Abstract: A differential comprises a first side gear and a second side gear facing the first side gear. A pinion gear set can be between the first side gear and the second side gear. A cam plate comprises a ramped side facing a ramped side of the first side gear. A first lock plate comprises a first side abutting a second side of the cam plate. The first lock plate further comprises a toothed side. A second lock plate comprises a toothed side facing the toothed side of the first lock plate.

Abstract: A differential, comprising a gear case, a side gear, an actuator, and a collar. The gear case comprising a central axis and recesses. The side gear configured to rotate around the central axis. The side gear comprising radially outward-extending locking members comprising side gear segments separated by plural grooves. The actuator surrounding the central axis. The collar configured to translate bi-directionally along the central axis. The collar comprising ears and radially inward-extending locking members comprising collar segments separated by plural grooves. The actuator is configured to move the collar relative to the side gear to move the ears axially in the recesses. When the actuator moves the collar to a locked position, the collar segments are configured to engage the side gear segments. When the actuator moves the collar to an unlocked position, the side gear segments are configured to pass through the grooves of the radially inward-extending locking members.

Abstract: A differential, comprising a gear case, a side gear, an actuator, and a collar. The gear case comprising a central axis and recesses. The side gear configured to rotate around the central axis. The side gear comprising radially outward-extending locking members comprising side gear segments separated by plural grooves. The actuator surrounding the central axis. The collar configured to translate bi-directionally along the central axis. The collar comprising ears and radially inward-extending locking members comprising collar segments separated by plural grooves. The actuator is configured to move the collar relative to the side gear to move the ears axially in the recesses. When the actuator moves the collar to a locked position, the collar segments are configured to engage the side gear segments. When the actuator moves the collar to an unlocked position, the side gear segments are configured to pass through the grooves of the radially inward-extending locking members.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling for use in a vehicle drivetrain to couple a pair of rotary members and includes a coupling mechanism supported in a casing and that is operable to couple the pair of rotary members together. A piston is responsive to pressurized fluid generated by a pump to move between first and second positions, thereby engaging the coupling mechanism. The pump has an outlet located in a direction away from the piston. An internal passage provides fluid communication between the outlet of the pump and an expandable chamber formed adjacent the piston. A control valve controls the flow of pressurized fluid from the pump between the sump and the expandable chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling for use in a vehicle drivetrain to couple a pair of rotary members and includes a coupling mechanism supported in a casing and that is operable to couple the pair of rotary members together. A piston is responsive to pressurized fluid generated by a pump to move between first and second positions, thereby engaging the coupling mechanism. The pump has an outlet located in a direction away from the piston. An internal passage provides fluid communication between the outlet of the pump and an expandable chamber formed adjacent the piston. A control valve controls the flow of pressurized fluid from the pump between the sump and the expandable chamber.